NIGERIA – Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI), a premier life sciences research institution, has announced the appointment of Nigerian Dr. Sheila Ochugboju as the new Executive Director of the Alliance for Science (AfS) based at the institute, effective June 1st 2022.
The Alliance for Science at the Boyce Thompson Institute is a global communications initiative dedicated to promoting access to scientific innovation as a means of enhancing food security, improving environmental sustainability and raising the quality of life globally.
The Alliance plays a vital role in connecting a range of stakeholders with up-to-date and vital information about how scientific advances can contribute to the future of the planet’s health, an effort that aligns perfectly with BTI’s mission to advance and communicate scientific discovery in plant biology to improve agriculture, protect the environment and enhance human health
Dr. Sheila Ochugboju brings a wealth of knowledge, connections and vision in science communication to the Alliance for Science and has worked in research science and international development for over 15 years.
Prior to her new role, Sheila was the Head of Strategic Communications at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), supporting vaccine delivery communication across Africa and advocating for vaccine equity.
She is a founding member of the Network of African Women Environmentalists (NAWE), leading in the development of flagship initiatives and products such as the Earth Science Cafes and the Earth Reflections Podcast, which was rated amongst the leading environment podcasts in Africa in 2020.
Sheila trained as a research Scientist in the United Kingdom and a PHD holder in Biochemistry from London University followed by a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Oxford focused on genetically modified viruses.
She also received a WINGS WorldQuest Women of Discovery Award for developing and leading pioneering African science, technology and innovation projects in 2016.
In addition, Ochugboju was appointed as a Global Roving Ambassador for the county government of Kisumu, Kenya in charge of the portfolio for Transformative Science and Urban Resilience.
She is expected to lead the global communications initiative that seeks to counter misinformation about agricultural biotechnology, climate change, nuclear power, vaccines, COVID-19 and other contemporary science issues to greater heights.
Moreover, Dr Ochugboju has the knowledge and ability to broaden the horizon of the Alliance for Science and bring resources to counter misinformation across a more substantial expanse of scientific endeavor including climate change.
“I am excited to join the Boyce Thompson Institute, because together with the Alliance for Science we can offer new lenses, tools, and partnerships to transform how the world understands the role of science in addressing global challenges,” said the new Executive Director Sheila.
She explained that the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and current food security have exposed how good science communication can literally save lives and livelihoods.
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